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Sunday lunch is not normally a Perth Radio Sailing Club event, but on Sunday 16th November, about 40 people came to our annual Presentation Lunch at the home of Peter and Audrey Grieve. The annual presentation lunch has become a particularly popular event on the calendar, with great credit to Peter and Audrey, as well as to Rodney Moss, who prepared and cooked a terrific lunch for us all.

Our club is very fortunate to be able to meet in such a convivial manner, with many of our wives, partners and loved ones in attendance. There was plenty of laughter, great food, wine and fellowship. As the afternoon progressed we had completely lost track of time.

Prizes for Club Championships in each of the classes, including Handicaps were handed out, as well as prizes for consistency. Thanks to our Commodore Denton, for arranging all the prizes, as well as co-ordinating the event. I'm sure everyone had a terrific time, and will look forward to the date next year.

2014 Western Australian Ten Rater State Championship and Ray Tilbrook Memorial Regatta

It was a big Ten Rater weekend in Perth this weekend. Perth Radio Sailing Club held the annual Ray Tilbrook Memorial regatta at Jackadder Lake on Saturday, and the State Championships were held at Austin Lakes on Sunday.

On Saturday, Mat Donelly sailed brilliantly to take out the Ray Tilbrook event by one point from Jeff Green. The afternoon was marked by an unbelievable storm that hit at about 4.00pm. As we were starting the last race, there was an almighty rumble which sounded like dozens of tanks rumbling along a freeway. Everyone was asking “what on earth is that noise?” Fortunately, we recognized that whatever it was – it wasn’t good, so we got the boats off the water just as the lake got pounded by a hail storm which lasted about 10 minutes. The accompanying rain storm was also fierce, so we all got drenched.

On Sunday, we drove down to Austin Lakes for the State Champs. The morning winds were from the south-east, making for a great long course. PRO Rob Mews got us away at 10.30am in a light breeze. We did manage to get 6 races in prior to a lunch break. Unfortunately, the left over rain from the day before kept on falling and we had to manage the second drenching in two days.

Rosco Bennett took off right from the start of the day, streaking off to a decent lead by lunch, with Jeff Green and Roger Paul chasing. After lunch, the wind picked up a bit, and the Ten Rater greyhounds were flying around the lake. Glenn Dawson got his Blade up and running much better in the wind, and started the long chase.

By the end of the day, the rain finally let up, and we started to dry out as the regatta wound up. Rob managed to get in 16 quite long races, giving us 3 drops. In the end, Glenn tried in vain to catch Rosco, who took out his first Ten Rater State championship. Jeff Green finished on the podium, just ahead of Roger Paul.

Rob Murdoch launched his Blade, and was going very fast at times. John Goor sailed very well with his Aero 3, always pushing the leaders. Unfortunately, John had technical difficulties towards the end of the day, and missed a few races. Denton battled hard all day, and certainly will be better for the outing. Unfortunately, Ian Sherriff and Len had difficulties with their boats, forcing an early exit.

Skippers sailed the regatta in terrific spirit despite the weather conditions. We all would like to thank Rob Mews, Lloyd Coles, Andree Bennett, Fred Webber and Justin McAullay for volunteering to officiate for the day.

Over the weekend of the IOM States, the weather gave us four seasons in two days. Saturday morning started out with the lake looking like a mirror. There was nothing there to push the boats along. Gradually a breeze wafted in, but it took most of the morning to decide which direction it would blow from. The sun was shining, and it really was a lovely day.

The regatta commenced with 18 of the 22 skippers showing up. Unfortunately Sean and Matt were unable to attend from interstate, but we were very pleased to welcome Andy Reid, who made the trip from Melbourne. A couple of the locals were also unable to attend, with work and health issues.

We only got two races in before PRO Moby Stuart called an early lunch for the 18 competitors. Bit by bit, the wind settled into a westerly stream, and racing continued at a brisk pace.

All boats carried their A rigs. There were a few general recalls, as skippers were starting fairly aggressively. It was difficult to nail a start, but as usual, that was the key to performing well.